Nothing To Worry

One quiet afternoon looking outside my window, I saw two birds chirping and resting on a tree in our neighbor’s backyard. As I observed them, I remembered these words from the Holy Bible particularly on Matthew 6:26 that says “Look at the birds: they do not plant seeds, gather a harvest and put it in barns; yet your Father in heaven takes care of them! Aren’t you worth much more than birds?” Contemplating on the said passage I realized that indeed, we are more important in the eyes of the Lord. He will not forsake us in times of need.

True enough, the Lord is faithful in His words and I can attest to that. On the last week of July this year, my youngest daughter have been complaining of pain in her lower abdomen. I did not pay much attention to it as I told her that maybe her menstrual period is about to come. But on the same week, she texted me from school that she was on the school’s clinic because of her abdominal pain. The school nurse suggested that my daughter should see a doctor to know the real reason for her illness. By that, I was alarmed and worried at the same time. At first, I don’t have any idea on what kind of doctor should we approach. Should it be an internist or an OB-Gynecologist that was the thoughts on my mind. My daughter is just 17 years old. So I prayed on our way to San Pedro Hospital’s Medical Arts Building to find a doctor for my daughter. After much contemplation I decided that we should see an OB-Gynecologist for her menstrual period is always delayed. By God’s grace we were able to find one and my daughter was examined. The OB checked her abdomen and said she can’t feel any abnormal growth. But to be sure, she suggested for an ultra sound. And then she prescribed a medicine for pain.

The following day, my daughter had her ultra sound and it was found out that there are tiny cysts in her left ovary that might be causing the pain. The OB said that there is nothing to worry about and that there is no need for surgery for it will be dissolved through hormonal pills which would be taken for six months. After which, we should return for another round of test.

With that, we hope the pills will work along with the Lord’s mercy and healing. I’m grateful for the Lord’s guidance as well, have I not seek for Divine Providence we were not able to know the real cause of my daughter’s illness. Moreover, with the Lord on our side we have nothing to worry for I believe that He will take care of my daughter. Also, along with Mama Mary’s intercession we are positive that everything will be okay.

As parents who have a lot of things to deal with, there are times that we cannot immediately look into our children’s needs and welfare. May we be reminded that it is better to be alarmed even on the minute ailments and other things going on in our children for this will give us assurance that all is well with them. By doing such, there will be less worry on our part.

Worrying will lead to anxiety. And as we fret on things like illness, death and other problems that come our way we suffer mentally and emotionally. To avoid it, here are some Worry Stoppers that I gathered from Max Lucado’s book Trade Your Cares for Calm:

1. Pray first.
2. EASY, Now. Slow down.
3. Act on it. Be actually decisive on anxiety.
4. Compile a worry list. How many of them turn into reality? Likely, few if any.
5. Evaluate your worry. Detect recurring areas of preoccupation.
6. Focus on today. God meets need daily.
7. Unleash a worry army. Share your feelings with a few loved ones and ask them to pray with and for you.
8. Let God be enough. Seek the kingdom of God above all else.

Eight steps. Put them together and you get P-E-A-C-E-F-U-L.

Lastly, in times of difficulties in life may we remember St. Peter’s advise to early Christians where he said “Give all your worries to Him (God), because He cares about you. (1 Peter 5:7)”

“Worry implies that we don’t trust that God is big enough, powerful enough or loving enough to take care of what’s happening in our lives.” – Francis Chan